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Lifelong PlayStation fanboy seeking Switch advice for 9 y/o daughter

Deleted member 873

User requested account closure
Member
Oct 25, 2017
2,463
Kirby! People recommending Celeste, but not Kirby. Come on.

There are some very neat little platformer games on the eshop as well, such as Shuu. She'll probably enjoy Steamworld Dig 2!

Also, try to play donkey kong tropical freeze with her!

Layton is coming soon to Switch as well, so she'll get her puzzle games too. Meanwhile, she'll love this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLxtJrN3x6k. Or even puyo puyo tetris.

Also play Snipperclips with her!!

Edit: mario kart and go vacation seem like a fit, too.
 
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Deleted member 4034

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
26,560
fourfourfun said:
Being honest, the joycons in the comfort grip is pretty much fine. I had the pro controller on my shopping list pre-buying, now I realise I don't need it at all.
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Depends on the size of your hands. I can't use the grip and can't do handheld at all for certain games that require quick reflexes and multiple button presses at once. So like, I can do exploration bits and puzzle solving in Zelda and Mario, but a boss battle, forget about it.
 
mutantmagnet

mutantmagnet

Member
Oct 28, 2017
12,401
Essential equipment
Battery pack if you get her demanding games like Zelda and Mario Kart.

Here is the average battery lifespan for many games.

UwSaed8_d.jpg


More stats in the following link

https://m.imgur.com/a/aODDLei

Screen protector with glare resistence.

Switch Even in partial shade can be a huge disappointment. You already need the screen protector to prevent the dock from scratching it.

Atleast another left joycon.
There is a known manufacturing defect with Joycons and it is more common with the left side. It is ridiculous that Nintendo asks you to send back the entire console only to end up replacing the defective Joycon with a new one.

That is your essential equipment.

As for games I recommend you get your kid the following as my top 7 recommendations

puzzle / platformer
Toki Tori +

Match 3
Choose 2 of these 3
Lumines, Battle Chef Brigrade, Puyo Puyo Tetris

Collectible RPG to satiate that Pokemon fix
Nothing really. The closest to it is Darkest Dungeon but a game like that requires discretion on your part. It could be handled by a 15 old. But a 9 year old requires a lot of guidance to deal with its themes.

As for other downloadables:


Fallout Shelter
Respectable amount of content and can easily be played for free. It's a lot of fun.

West of Loathing
Comedy games are rare and comedy in general that anyone can laugh with is even rarer across all entertainment media.

Hollow Knight
This is the best game you can get at its price point. It rivals even some of Nintendo's $60 msrp games. Don't ignore it.

Human Fall Flat
This game was not for me but the family and friends play factor is undeniable. As a single player game it does hold up better than overcooked.

Shovel Knight
Best platformer you can buy. In certain ways it is better than Odyssey.


While you are focused on downloadables I also recommend these bigger titles.

Fire Emblem Warriors
Very easy to get into and the difficulty scaling can be controlled. Hard to find actually good real time strategy or tactical games on a console but this is one of them.

Mario Tennis Aces
Simply inform her that star power is gained and blocked by swinging back with an opposing color and she will figure out all the other tricks and strategies on her own. Great multiplayer game.

BOTW
For obvious reasons


Xenoblade 2
I never got this because of they performance but it still looks like a good game and is remotely the only other game that could match her Pokemon fix :)


Price drop won't happen but expect a ton of sales or bundles for the holidays.

There have already been a ton of great deals to save as much as $80 on Switch this year.
 
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Deleted member 873

User requested account closure
Member
Oct 25, 2017
2,463
I completely forgot about Captain Toad!. It would be a great game to introduce her to 3D games + touch controls! It's a Mario puzzle-platformer spinoff.

 
mentallyinept

mentallyinept

One Winged Slayer
Member
Oct 25, 2017
3,403
PintSizedSlasher said:
My daughter has set her sights on a Switch and after saving up and doing chores for the last 12 months, the moment of purchase has almost arrived. Of course she's looking at her gamer dad for advice, but having been in the PlayStation ecosystem exclusively since the PS1 era, I'm of course without a clue....
So I have a few Switch questions for you:

  • Is now a good time to buy or is there a price drop on the horizon?
  • Are there any essential accessories that we need to purchase?
  • What are some good, small downloadable games? She enjoys puzzle games, platformers, match 3...and she's a huge Pokémon fan.
  • There's a bundle deal with Labo at the moment. Is Labo any good?
  • Can you use multiple accounts on Switch?
    Asking for a friend.... ;-)


Thanks in advance Era!
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1. No price drop anytime soon. It's selling really well. Your best bet is one of the Ebay\Google Express Percent off deals (Ebay does 15% off deals pretty regularly and Google Express just did 25% off).
2.a. A good screen protector. Get a glass one.
2.b. A travel case.
2.c. A pro controller if you have large hands.
3. Celeste, Golf Story, Hollow Knight, Bomb Chicken, Lumines Remastered, to name a few. All of them are $20 or less IIRC.
4. LABO is cool as a edu-tainment toy. Not so much as a video game. If your kid is into that kinda thing, pick up the Variety Pack.
5. You can, but your account is tied to the hardware. You can transfer accounts between Switches, but it's a laborious process and it removes the account from the original Switch it is tied to. So you can't, to my knowledge, have one account on two Switches simulanteously. (Feel free to correct me on that ERA).
 
ArmadilloGame

ArmadilloGame

▲ Legend ▲
Member
Oct 27, 2017
1,070
Second the Kirby and Captain Toad thoughts. There are a lot of great games getting suggested here, but Kirby, CT, and Pokemon would be the ones I would get first for the 10 year old I know.
 
mutantmagnet

mutantmagnet

Member
Oct 28, 2017
12,401
fourfourfun said:
I frequently take mine out on the commute and have never had call for one of these. At most, a decent USB-C wall plug would suffice for a charge. Essential is a bit of a stretch.
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You are an adult. You probably commute no more than 3 hours combined. Kids can and will play in handheld mode for double that easy.

I know I needed back up batteries for my Gameboy and that lasted way longer than the most power efficient switch games.
 
fourfourfun

fourfourfun

Member
Oct 27, 2017
7,682
England
My boy loves *watching* me play Splatoon 2, but doesn't ever want to play it. Consistently wants to play Zelda despite being utterly unable to!
 
amprsand11

amprsand11

Member
Jan 12, 2018
165
Canada
Very very very highly recommend you pick up a tempered glass screen protector for the switch.

I also agree on Kirby and Captain Toad, great games to get started (and both have demos on the eShop!)
 

feroca

Banned
May 12, 2018
823
Though, regarding multiple accounts: digital purchases can only be in one unit. So, if you get your own Switch your purchases will be moved to that new unit and can't be used on the other.

The parental control app is quite nice too.
 
Arthoneceron

Arthoneceron

Member
Oct 27, 2017
3,024
Minas Gerais, Brazil
PintSizedSlasher said:
  • Is now a good time to buy or is there a price drop on the horizon?
  • Are there any essential accessories that we need to purchase?
  • What are some good, small downloadable games? She enjoys puzzle games, platformers, match 3...and she's a huge Pokémon fan.
  • There's a bundle deal with Labo at the moment. Is Labo any good?
  • Can you use multiple accounts on Switch?
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Click to shrink...

There's any news about price drop, so I think the Black Friday would be probably the only opportunity for that, but being so near to the Smash release, I think it will be a bloodbath

I couldn't think on any, apart from a Screen Protector and a good case. Also, the Pro Controller would be nice, but it's 80 USD

The ones I'm playing right now are Steamworld Dig 2, Icey and Hollow Knight. There's some cool others, like Stardew Valley, Overcooked and Dragon Quest Builders. Also, like any other people that came to me to ask for game's suggestions on Nintendo Switch, you (or your friend) should just give to her Zelda: Breath of the Wild, explain the basic controls and let her to have fun.

Labo isn't good. It wasn't a good idea and probably will never be, it's a waste of Nintendo's resources that would be better implemented on games like Metroid Prime 4 and a newer DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Never tried, but... maybe?
 
TheRuralJuror

TheRuralJuror

Member
Oct 25, 2017
6,501
Install the slickdeals app and get switch alerts. People will keep on about Black Friday, but I see switch deals all the time. My son saved up the money and I got his for 240 when the eBay coupon code thing worked and I saw a google express deal for $225 with promo code just yesterday. These things can be had at a discount fairly easily if you keep an eye out.
 
Mandos

Mandos

Member
Nov 27, 2017
30,933
Also Pokémon let's go drops in November, and has 2 player coop so you can join in with your daughter at anytime. Also nobody pointed it out, but an alternative controller option for you that's affordable is the hori wired gamepad, they have cool Nintendo art, replaceable usb cord, and only costs 25 bucks for regular ergonomics. That way you have an option at home(although joycon are fine for on the road).

Battle chef brigade is a cool match 3 beat em up hybrid. I second Puyo Puyo Tetris, great game. Super Bomberman R has a fun little story, and awesome classic multiplayer
 
Dee Dee

Dee Dee

Member
Nov 2, 2017
1,868
I also recommend using the parental app and looking into your possibilities there.

Coming from the PS ecosystem you might want to clarify what you mean by asking about "accounts" on Switch.
The way Nintendo accounts work and where your purchases are tied to can be very different from your expectations coming from a PS4.

I will try to get the main points down here, but please ask detail point that is not clear, or let us know what you're trying to do with the multiple accounts, so that we all can avoid tears if your 9 year old accidentally ends up without her save files or anything.

- Unless you create a Nintendo Account, your purchases and save files are simply tied to your console and the profile you created on it. A profile on the system does NOT equal a Nintendo Account.
- Once you create Nintendo Account for one of your player profiles, all purchases will be tied to this - however, save files are still only tied to the system. They are NOT easily backupped through the SD card or anything. If you wipe the system, your saves are gone, even if you kept your SD card with data on it. (Disclaimer: The paid online subscription coming in September will finally allow you to backup your saves on a cloud server. There is not much info available on this, so don't expect this to be anywhere near as comfortable and easily accessible or even transferable as with PS+.)
- All player profiles on the same system will have access to games you bought on the system with any one of the profiles, unless you disconnect the Nintendo Account they are tied to from the system. This is helpful if you share the system with your daughter. While most games (especially Nintendo games) don't allow for multiple save files, you can use a different player profile to work around this, as player profiles allow for separate access to save files.
- If you disconnect your Nintendo Account from the system, you lose the access to the digital titles tied to the Nintendo Account on this system. Beware: If you start buying games, then later create a Nintendo Account for the profile you bought them with, they will be RETROACTIVELY tied to your Nintendo Account too, meaning they'll also be removed if you untie your Nintendo Account.
- You can only use your Nintendo Account on one system. If you want to have access to your games on a second system, you have to untie it from the first system first, meaning everyone on the first system loses access to the titles. You can also NOT transfer your saves with your Nintendo Account, only the game purchases, then redownload these from the eShop.
- Basically, if you're already considering getting your own Switch later, and don't want to end up having to untie your Nintendo Account and all purchases with it from the first system, leaving your daughter with no digital titles, you might want to look into your options right away.
You CAN tie multiple Nintendo Accounts to the system, however that could make it more difficult to make your daughter's account a family account, profiting from the discount on the online system. Consider buying games physically, that you would like to use for yourself on your own system eventually.
 
tyfon

tyfon

Member
Nov 2, 2017
3,680
Norway
mutantmagnet said:
You are an adult. You probably commute no more than 3 hours combined. Kids can and will play in handheld mode for double that easy.

I know I needed back up batteries for my Gameboy and that lasted way longer than the most power efficient switch games.
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If my daughter plays more than two hours in a day she will be grumpy and edgy the rest of the day.
I wouldn't recommend anyone to let their kids play for six hours, they will most likely turn into a monster.

It happened here once, she hid in her room with kirby after I told her it was enough.
I let her just to make a point but it was not fun being a parent that day :)
Now she has an alarm on the switch notifying her when the two hours is up. So far I have not had to switch it from an alarm to "suspend software".
 
Wrighteous86

Wrighteous86

Member
Oct 27, 2017
2,128
Chicago
TwilightSparkleMotion

TwilightSparkleMotion

Member
Oct 31, 2017
750
Essential accessories: pro controller, screen protector, 128gb+ micro SD card.

Games that your daughter may enjoy: Golf Story, Lumines, Captain Toad, Minecraft, Picross S, Pokemon Quest.
 
Mercador

Mercador

Member
Nov 18, 2017
2,840
Quebec City
I don't want to hijack the thread, but why the screen protector is a must? I haven't put any on my Vita neither my phones (this is my fourth one).
 
Pooroomoo

Pooroomoo

Member
Oct 28, 2017
4,972
mentallyinept said:
You can, but your account is tied to the hardware. You can transfer accounts between Switches, but it's a laborious process and it removes the account from the original Switch it is tied to. So you can't, to my knowledge, have one account on two Switches simulanteously. (Feel free to correct me on that ERA).
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Your account is not tied to any specific hardware, only your save files are for now, and that is about to change as well with cloud saves.
There are two options regarding accounts - one, involving transfer of saves and everything, may be laborious or not, I have never tried. The other, to disable an account on one Switch and enable it on another, is not laborious at all. You can have one account on countless Switches, you can't play on them simultaneously though, it can only be enabled on a single Switch at a time, the rest will be disabled.
 
shan780

shan780

The Fallen
Nov 2, 2017
2,566
UK
buy one of the switch USB dongles that lets you use the DS4
it even has gyro
it'll end up being way cheaper than buying a pro controller
 
OP
OP
PintSizedSlasher

PintSizedSlasher

The Wise Ones
Member
Oct 26, 2017
3,366
The Netherlands
Thanks a million for the helpful answers everybody! Much appreciated!

So we've compiled a shopping list and will probably order tomorrow.
I've promised my daughter that she would get on retail title from us and much to our surprise she chose Breath of the Wild.
Something that mom and dad are totally fine with lol
 
Dr. Mario

Dr. Mario

Member
Oct 27, 2017
13,866
Netherlands
  • Now is a good time, will probably take at least three more months before a price drop and I doubt one that will make the wait worth it.
  • The only really essential purchase is a carrying case. If your daughter can be a bit wild, probably also get a glass screen protector. Over time you may want to buy an extra set of joy cons. They're expensive but you're immediately set for four player split screen for her and her friends.
  • Overcooked is popular... you can try out a bunch of free demos, like puyo puyo tetris, kirby.. indeed don't sleep on Captain Toad. If she likes platformers of course you need to get Mario Odyssey.
  • I love Labo, but it's a bit expensive maybe and you will have to join in, so get it only if you're interested in it. I totally did and would, but nobody can really decide this for you.
  • Yes
 

Deleted member 7462

Banned
Oct 25, 2017
6,877
  • What are some good, small downloadable games? She enjoys puzzle games, platformers, match 3...and she's a huge Pokémon fan.
By "small," do you mean in price or in size of the game itself or in space the game takes up on a hard drive?

I'd suggest Rayman Legends, Sushi Strikers, Puyo Puyo Tetris, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Vs. Super Mario Bros., Picross S, Pic-a-Pix, and Mutant Mudds Collection off the top of my head. Those games all fit at least one of the definitions of "small" that I mentioned above. :)

I also heavily suggest that you buy an SD card for extra storage. Any brand will do.
 
Altera

Altera

Banned
Nov 1, 2017
1,963
As far as accessories go, I'd say the only must is a screen protector with how the dock can scratch the screen.

Regarding a microSD card, don't bother until she ends up actually needing it. I've had mine since launch and have yet to need one.
 
jariw

jariw

Member
Oct 27, 2017
4,283
PintSizedSlasher said:
What are some good, small downloadable games? She enjoys puzzle games, platformers, match 3...and she's a huge Pokémon fan.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

Here are some cheaper download titles that should be suitable for a 9-year old:
* Tumblestone - solid puzzle game (pure puzzle, compared to Puyo Puyo Tetris). It's also a great puzzle game to play against each other. Works with single joycon each. It has a demo on the eShop.
* Puyo Puyo Tetris - strategy puzzle game with also can be played in vs mode. Has a demo on the eShop.
* Steamworld Dig 2 - excellent Platformer/Metroidvania
* Yoku's Island Express - very chill pinball metroidvainia
* Lumines Remastered - addicting rhyhm puzzle game
* Stardew Valley - if Sims/Animal Crossing is her thing, this game would probably be fantastic.
* Pokemon Quest - It's a free download
* Overcooked or Snipperclips - if she will play co-op with someone else, these games are both great. They also both works well enough with single joycons in tabletop mode.

Captain Toad and Mario Odyssey (and perhaps even BotW) sounds like the best premium Nintendo titles to get.
 
UprightCitizen

UprightCitizen

Member
Jun 27, 2018
73
Stockholm
Chauzu said:
Pro Controller essential for a 9 year old? Labo not suitable for a 9 year old? These are some amazing hot takes.
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Nah, I play with my soon 9yo daughter and my impression is she prefers the joy-cons because they are smaller. We just finished Super Mario Odyssey. She liked that one. She also likes Splatoon 2. Mario Kart usually ends with at least one kid being really angry when shes playing with her friends... so while that one might seem like a good chioce, maybe it's not the best for the really young players.
 
Zen_Mu

Zen_Mu

Member
Dec 7, 2017
181
Concerning Labo; My cousin got it for his 10 yr old daughter, but due to a change in his work schedule did not have time to really play with it with her. She was apparently really into it when they were building stuff together for the first few days, but lost interest almost immediately after he no longer had the time to spend on it. Could just be her, but something to keep in mind in any case.
 
Sebastopa

Sebastopa

Member
Apr 27, 2018
1,782
For smaller, downloadable games my only immediate suggestion for non f2p games would be Snipperclips, awesome little puzzle game for you and your daughter, might also enjoy Puyopuyo Tetris. And because your baby loves Pokémon, I think Pokémon Quest could also appeal to her

I also recommend these bigger games that your daughter might love:

- Super Mario Odyssey
- Kirby Star Allies
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Also wait for the Upcoming Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, it would be a perfect opportunity for her to get into the mainline series games. Super Mario Party might also be a pretty fun game for some family quality time.

Finally, if you ever decide to get out of the PS environment Exclusively and give the Switch a chance, I recommend this games for you:


- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Splatoon 2
- Bayonetta 1+2
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

As well as upcoming games:

- Octopath Traveler
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Metroid Prime 4
- Bayonetta 3
- Travis Strikes Back: No More Heroes
- Shin Megami Tensei V
 
eseqko

eseqko

Member
Oct 27, 2017
1,390
Give your daughter a "git gud" game and get her Celeste.

All kids need to know what a challenging game is when they are young.
 
werezompire

werezompire

Zeboyd Games
Verified
Oct 26, 2017
11,358
I have a 10-year old daughter, a 9-year old daughter, and a 7-year old daughter (plus other kids, but those are the closest in age to yours) and their favorite Switch games are Labo (Variety Kit), Splatoon, and Mario Kart. Mario Odyssey was also a hit (there's an easy mode which buffs your life total & has various other modifications to make it less frustrating). Note, they liked putting together Labo with my wife more than playing with it, but they had fun with both (if they're Lego fans, it should be a big hit).
 
Slam Tilt

Slam Tilt

Member
Jan 16, 2018
5,585
If she's never played a Harvest Moon type game before, consider swapping out Stardew Valley for Harvest Moon: Light of Hope instead (sacrilege!). It's very hand-holdy and great at easing newbies into the whole gameplay cycle, whereas Stardew Valley is IMO more geared towards people already familiar with the genre.

For game recommendations in general, I highly recommend the monthly Nintendo eShop threads (the current one is here). Ask for recommendations, get recommendations, watch for deals, it's a nonstop cavalcade of cool stuff to keep an eye on.

And get her a copy of DOOM, so she can learn how to properly Rip And Tear between swim meets or soccer pitches or whatever the kids are doing these days. ;-)
 

pdog128

Member
Dec 16, 2017
607
Not sure if anyone's mentioned it yet, but you might get lucky and score 25% off through Google Express if you order by 7/17. It seems availability varies by region. Looks like Fry's still has them available for me.
 
Like the hat?

Like the hat?

Member
Oct 25, 2017
5,576
Get a glass screen protector. I have one on my switch as well as my 8 year old son's. Mine would probably be fine, but his screen wouldn't be great without it. He's had the switch for a year now.

His most played games: Minecraft, Mario kart 8, stardew valley, and Splatoon 2
 
LegendofLex

LegendofLex

Member
Nov 20, 2017
5,466
OP still hasn't responded (based on my cursory glance through the thread), so I guess I'll chip my answers in the ring:

Is now a good time to buy or is there a price drop on the horizon?

I don't expect a price drop this year. So far, bundles have only offered marginal savings, so if you wanted to get one now, I doubt you'll be missing out on crazy savings later this year.

Are there any essential accessories that we need to purchase?

I'd at least get a carrying case + an extra controller (either a Joy-Con set or a Pro Controller, whichever you think will be used more). If you're really worried about the screen, get a screen protector - but personally I've been fine without one since launch.

What are some good, small downloadable games? She enjoys puzzle games, platformers, match 3...and she's a huge Pokémon fan.

Specifically avoiding $50-60 games, here:

  • Puzzle games: Snipperclips (good for co-op with one Joy-Con each), Picross S (grid-based puzzles, kind of similar to sudoku), Puyo Puyo Tetris (most similar to the match 3 games she likes), Captain Toad Treasure Tracker (also kind of a platformer!)
  • Platformers: Sonic Mania, Shovel Knight
  • Other: Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King (simple old-school Zelda-like with a female protagonist), Overcooked (fun family game, if you can be patient enough to play with a 9-year-old and let her be in charge), Stardew Valley (farming sim/RPG)
  • Small downloadable games that might be good for you specifically, but possibly too frustrating for your daughter: Hollow Knight, Celeste
There's a bundle deal with Labo at the moment. Is Labo any good?

Labo's a fun DIY creation kit, but it's kind of a time commitment if you're going to make any of the bigger projects, and there's not a ton of longevity to the games that are included unless she gets really into the creation and experimentation aspect of it. I wouldn't recommend it unless you know she already likes creation kit type products.

Can you use multiple accounts on Switch?

Yes; you can have up to 8 accounts at a time on one Switch, and you can log in with an existing account on another Switch. Nintendo has parental control features for setting up accounts for children and linking them to a parent's Nintendo Account. I definitely recommend making use of them.
 
tyfon

tyfon

Member
Nov 2, 2017
3,680
Norway
Mercador said:
I don't want to hijack the thread, but why the screen protector is a must? I haven't put any on my Vita neither my phones (this is my fourth one).
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The screen is made of plastic, not gorilla glass or equivalent as your phone.
I don't use protectors on tablets or phones either, but on the switch it's an absolute must and I think it should be included in the package not just something you buy one the side.
 
Jachaos

Jachaos

Member
Oct 25, 2017
451
The dock issue has been fixed I think (unsure though) but yes, the screen was made of plastic so impacts (falling, knocking on table, child abusing it) don't shatter the screen. However, the downside of plastic vs glass is it scratches much easier. So keys, stuff in your bag if carrying it without a carrying case, etc.
 
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